The ‘commoditisation of care’ for older people
A blurring of boundaries between different sectors coupled with changes to funding for care organisations have led to the development of a ‘marketplace of care’. This ‘commoditisation of care’ is likely to continue to increase in the future, with more and more services being provided by an ever increasing range of organisations from all sectors (see bringing markets into public services).
Implications
- Increased role in public services for VCOs, (particularly those harnessing volunteer labour) as they are expected to meet many gaps with the cost of care likely to exceed what the government can afford in a recession.
- Increasing pressure to demonstrate efficiency and value for money.
- Growth in hybrid organisations.
- An increasing number and range of services can increase the choice of services available to older people.
- Competition between providers can lead to higher quality and more relevant care services.
- Higher expectations of older people’s services in terms of quality and the way in which they are delivered.
- Increased competition could lead to reduced costs for popular care services which may ease levels of poverty and inequality amongst older people.
- Pressure to implement standardised procedures and services due to theincreasing range of providers and services may lead to tension with the personalisation agenda.
- Risk that care and caring becomes too commercialised and less human based leaving older people increasingly vulnerable.
Moving forward
Increased pressure to achieve value for money, efficiency and high standards often means that developing the skills needed to care effectively for older people is not always prioritised.
- Can your organisation ensure that it provides an adequate amount of training for carers in caring roles?
- Can your organisation influence commissioners and other health professionals by raising awareness of the need for new models for care?
- How can you ensure that commissioning policy ensures quality and care of care provision?
Want to know more?
Options for care funding: What could be done now?
Published by:Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Date:2009
Format:Pdf
What is it?A summary that updates a Solutions produced in 2007, and suggests four costed, fairer and more sustainable methods of funding.
Funding long-term care for older people: Lessons from other countries
Published by:Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Date:2004
Format:Pdf
What is it? An evaluation of how other countries are devising fair and sustainable ways of funding long-term care for older people
Discuss
How will this affect your organisation? Have you considered it during your strategic planning? Can you share any interesting relevant links?
Log in or join for free to comment.